D.R. Harris Lavender vs AoS (veggie) Lavender

[Deacon Frank]

Anyone who has experience with both wish to weigh in on which is better? I realize Harris is tallow-based and the new AoS is veggie-based. Criteria are:

• Performance (slickness and cushion)
• Scent (gimme lavender! )

Harris seems like the better value (100g for about $18), so that is one thing in its favor.

 

[ckang79]

I have never smelled DRH lavender, but to my nose, the AoS lavender was not very pleasant.

 

[graysonhenryrussell]

I can't speak for AOS but I use Dr Harris lavender & find it to be an outstanding product in all respects.

 

[bassopotamus]

I've only used AOS tallow and another DR Harris scent. The AOS tallow is amazing but doesn't smell very good. Based on reviews of veggie AOS I've scene, DRH is probably better

 

[Steve56]

I've used DRH but not AOS. I'm a lavender person and like DRH. It does however, have a citrus base as a lot of their scents do. If you like lavender and you like Arlington, you'll like DRH lavender. It's a lighter scent like Arlington but maybe a bit stronger, if you're looking for lavender olfactory overload, this isn't it. But it is very pleasant and I like the scent a lot.

I find DRH to be as slick as anything, lathers well, but is not quite as thick and protective as say MWF or Cella. It is a little easier to get a really close shave and a little easier to nick, but not a lot. It does not dry out fast or seem tacky.

Take my advice with a large grain of salt, I am a newb.

Cheers, Steve

 

[Clover]

I've have AOS tallow lavender and it's my favorite lavender. Some people note a clay smell, and I think it smells along the lines of Mike's Hungarian Lavender. Haven't tried DRH Lavender yet, but it's on my list. As always YMMV

 

[rand77]

I can't speak for the scent of the AOS. I picked up AOS sandalwood this weekend and gave it a try, it provided a thick cushioned lather very easily on my first try. I never tried the tallow formulation, but it appears that at least they didn't ruin the soap unlike other manufacturers. The soap is a good vegetable formula, but it is also very expensive (refill $30 per 90g).

 

[Clover]

I can't speak for the scent of the AOS. I picked up AOS sandalwood this weekend and gave it a try, it provided a thick cushioned lather very easily on my first try. I never tried the tallow formulation, but it appears that at least they didn't ruin the soap unlike other manufacturers. The soap is a good vegetable formula, but it is also very expensive (refill $30 per 90g).

I also have the new formula in sandalwood and it performs really well. True about the price. A DRH Lavender in a wooden bowl is the price of an AOS refill.

 

[petr]

the AOS is single note lavender, I like it a lot, the scent is better than the old clay stuff. AOS is faint though. Slickness is there, some of the creamy cushion is gone, but performs better than a pile of other soaps. That's a big statement from me. I adopted a more forgiving razor, as-d2, and it allows me to use the newer soap.

Harris. Well, harris lavender may be the best lavender and best scent in all of classic shaving. Top shelf. Everyone should try it once. I don't get great shaves from it, lack of cushion, but enjoy it. (Maybe it's my water?)

Don't forget the lavender bomb and exact formula tallow AOS creaminess = C&S Oxford. It's more complex lavender scent, but whoa is it a big lavender bomb that fills the entire bathroom. Save some cash and try the travel puck refills.

 

[Deacon Frank]

Thanks for the feedback, fellas.

Petr, I have my eye on C&S Oxford & Cambridge, may just get that -- but that price is a killer. Otherwise, looks like I'll go with Harris.

 

[lt114]

The AoS (veggie) has a lavender essential oil scent, while DRH is more of an English floral lavender. As for performance, DRH is the clear winner for me. I highly recommend C&S Oxford & Cambridge also. Basically, C&S is the same soap as the old tallow AoS.